Last week’s college gymnastics action was just a warm-up, but this week promises a full slate of thrilling competitions.
On the women’s side, all 36 teams ranked in the preseason poll will compete for the first time this season.
Men’s gymnastics also kicks off, highlighted by the West Point Open, a Winter Cup qualifier.
Fans will get a glimpse of top teams like Michigan, Oklahoma, and Stanford.
The weekend is packed with must-watch events, including the Sprouts Farmers Market Collegiate Quad featuring top teams Cal, LSU, Oklahoma, and Utah.
Women’s Gymnastics: A Full Slate of Competitions
The women’s side of college gymnastics will see a complete lineup of competitions this weekend.
All 36 teams ranked in the preseason poll will be in action, giving fans a chance to see the best of the best.
This week’s matches are particularly significant as they will set the tone for the rest of the season.
The Sprouts Farmers Market Collegiate Quad
The highlight of the weekend is undoubtedly the Sprouts Farmers Market Collegiate Quad.
This event features a showdown between four of the top five teams in the country: Cal, LSU, Oklahoma, and Utah.
Scheduled for Saturday at 4 p.m. ET, this meet is a must-watch for any gymnastics enthusiast.
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- Oklahoma will be looking for a redeeming win after failing to qualify for the Four on the Floor final last April.
- LSU, the reigning national champion, is expected to have star Haleigh Bryant back from a strained UCL.
- Cal and Utah both had strong showings last weekend, with scores of 196.275 and 196.775, respectively.
New recruits like Lily Pederson (Oklahoma), Kailin Chio (LSU), Avery Neff (Utah), and Ondine Achampong (Cal) will be ones to watch.
Note that Achampong is still recovering from an ACL tear and it’s unclear when she will compete.
Friday, January 10: A First Look at Florida
On Friday, January 10, we’ll get our first look at preseason No. 3 Florida as they host Michigan State, Nebraska, and Northern Illinois.
Florida boasts a star-studded squad with excellent additions like UCLA transfer Selena Harris, freshman Ly Bui, and world medalist Skye Blakely.
Blakely is expected to compete on uneven bars in her college debut as she recovers from an Achilles injury.
Returning Talent to Watch
- Kayla DiCello, recovering from an Achilles injury
- Leanne Wong
- Riley McCusker
- Victoria Nguyen
- Sloane Blakely (Skye’s sister)
- Anya Pilgrim
These athletes bring a wealth of experience and skill to the mat, making Florida a formidable team this season.
Saturday, January 11: The Lone Star Challenge
Saturday brings the Lone Star Challenge in San Antonio, which will be streamed on Virtius.
Penn State alum Tess McCracken will be one of the commentators, adding her expertise to the broadcast.
This event promises to be a highlight of the weekend, showcasing some of the best talents in college gymnastics.
Sunday, January 12: New-Look Georgia Team
To close the weekend, we’ll get a first look at a revamped Georgia team.
Cecile Canqueteau-Landi and Ryan Roberts were hired as co-head coaches in the offseason to revitalize the program.
The team features notable athletes like Hungarian Olympian Csenge Bacskay, two-time world gold medalist Kara Eaker, and Harley Tomlin, daughter of Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin.
Athletes to Watch
- Csenge Bacskay
- Kara Eaker
- Harley Tomlin
- Lily Smith, the bars queen
This new coaching duo aims to bring Georgia back to its former glory, and their debut will be closely watched.
Men’s Gymnastics: Season Kickoff
The men’s gymnastics season also begins this weekend, with the West Point Open serving as the first Winter Cup qualifier.
The top teams to watch include Michigan, Oklahoma, and Stanford.
This season introduces a new code with 8 skills per routine and a 4 up, 4 count format to increase parity among programs.
Winter Cup Qualification
The West Point Open is the first of four Winter Cup qualifiers.
The top two non-qualified all-around athletes from each event will qualify for the USA Gymnastics meet.
After all qualifying meets, the next three all-around athletes from the combined rank order will earn spots.
Pre-qualified athletes have additional ways to qualify for the meet.
Key Injuries
Oklahoma is dealing with injuries to key athletes Fuzzy Benas and Emre Dodanli.
Emre Dodanli broke his hand in preseason but is back to full training.
Fuzzy Benas had thumb surgery and is expected to return shortly after Winter Cup.
With so much action packed into one weekend, college gymnastics fans have plenty to look forward to.
For more detailed previews and updates, visit Gymnastics Now.
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